Governor Paterson Praises Appointment of AIDS Institute Director to Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS

Governor David A. Paterson today congratulated New York State Department of Health's (DOH) AIDS Institute Director Humberto Cruz upon his appointment to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Mr. Cruz was sworn in today in Washington, D.C. by President Obama's Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius.

"For more than 20 years, Humberto Cruz has been involved in advocating for, designing and implementing AIDS Institute programs for the prevention, care and support of persons living with HIV/AIDS," Governor Paterson said. "He has overseen New York's programs and worked to make them national models of comprehensive and compassionate care. Humberto's knowledge and expertise will be a tremendous addition to the federal HIV/AIDS panel, and on behalf of all New Yorkers, we are proud to have such distinguished representation serve our country and those living with HIV/AIDS."

After 17 years in progressively responsible positions at DOH, including Executive Deputy Director, Mr. Cruz became Director of DOH's AIDS Institute in 2007. He also serves as an executive committee member of the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors, debating HIV/AIDS prevention and care policies at the national level, including policy discussions with federal partners, other states and Congress. He has also worked in substance abuse advocacy and for Promesa, the largest non-profit multi-service Hispanic organization in New York City.

State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., said: "Humberto Cruz is a forceful advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS, committed to quality services that achieve the best possible health outcomes and ensure the most efficient use of health care funding. His career embodies a rich history of collaboration with the people we serve – both people living with HIV/AIDS and providers – in policy and program planning."

Congressman Eliot L. Engel, the senior New York member of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee, said: "Under Mr. Cruz's direction, New York State has consistently and successfully reformed programs to be responsive to a changing epidemic, emerging needs and a changing environment. My office worked directly with Mr. Cruz and his staff on reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act. He will be a valuable member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS."

Since 1995, the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) has provided advice, information and recommendations to the HHS Secretary regarding programs and policies intended to promote effective prevention of HIV disease, and to advance research on HIV disease and AIDS. The Secretary provides the President with copies of all written reports provided to her by the Advisory Council. Mr. Cruz will serve a three-year term. Members of the Advisory Council are not salaried, but are paid for their expenses.

In addition, Governor Paterson offered his congratulations to the Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, who was also named to the panel. Reverend Butts is pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church, one of the largest churches in Harlem. He also is president of the State University College at Old Westbury and chairs the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS.

Governor Paterson said: "Dr. Butts' work to mobilize the religious community for people living with HIV/AIDS has helped inform us and shape our attitudes about the disease, leading to greater support for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. He is a visionary leader to the Harlem community."

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